Using kiddie leashes at WDW

[jenn-]

Let's start this question with a reminder that this can be a hot topic (it usually is on my parenting boards), so try to be nice to each other.

After reading the post about losing children in Disney, I think I am going to be getting some wrist leashes for my 3yos. I have one that wanders and I fear I will lose him (we have lost him once in Walmart and never want to have that feeling again). We are outnumbered by our children 2 to 1 and at times it will be 3 to 1 while DH drags poor DD on rides (she's a timid one). So to the parents that have used them, does it seem to really slow down the group trying to move around? Do you have a particular favorite brand/style? We got them some stuffed animal backpack ones a long time ago, and although they are just fine letting sissy walk them around the house in them, they aren't keen on wearing them in public. I think I am going to have to have a in the strolller on with a wrist band rule just for my own sanity. Those that think I am a horrible mother for considering this, you can chime in but please phrase things nicely. I think I am going to get the totoos for the 3 older kids that will be with us (DD and 2 cousins I am not responsible for).

 

[naynay80]

I used the waist leash with my 2 on our first trip - the only problem we had was they would move away from me and then I had a leash cutting between people. The rule was either in the stroller or on the leash. I got some dirty looks from people but I didn't care - at least I didn't lose my kids. I say do it.

 

[Disney Fool]

Do whatever you feel comfortable with. It can get very, very crowded at MK; you can even lose adults. For all the lost children who are showing up on milk cartons, I'd be willing to bet that their parents wished they had them on a tether. Or, the little girl who was recently molested at the Swan/Dolphin. As a concerned parent, take whatever measures you need to feel safe. Kudos to you!!!!!

 

[DisneyBee]

I think it's a great idea - I used one with my son when he was small. I used the harness style - and it was great. If people give you "the look" or make a comment just smile at them and move on knowing that you're doing what's best for the safety of your children!

I would think with more than one child it might slow you down if they tend to wander or stop to look along the way, but it's a vacation so you can take it slow.

Have fun!

 

[jobie61]

You've got to be kidding me..... put your child on a leash



Ah, what humane treatment for a child..... leash em up in Disney.

 

[Lynne M]

You've got to be kidding me..... put your child on a leash



Ah, what humane treatment for a child..... leash em up in Disney.

So much for trying to be nice to each other <sigh>......

 

[CantWaitToGo2007]

I used to use the harness type for my son when he was little. I thought my mother had lost her marbles when she gave it to me but after I used it once I fell in love with it. It worked great for the airport and the zoo (we used to have a pass and went everyweekend). It was a nice feeling knowing that he wouldn't get more than 4 feet from me. He still had his independence and I had 2 hands to juggle bags and such.

Have a great time no matter what you decide to use or not use.

 

[The Mick]

You've got to be kidding me..... put your child on a leash



Ah, what humane treatment for a child..... leash em up in Disney.

"humane"? What are you talking about?

They are not dog leashes affixed to a neck collar here. We're talking belt attachments or vests. That's not "humane"? You've got to be joking.

I guess the more humane thing is to allow the child to run away if that child has the habit of doing so?

 

[We Love Tinkerbell]

You are correct this is a hot topic. However, that said, we used a harness, leash etc...whatever you wish to call it, with our DD when she was young. She was fearless and would wander off at the drop of a hat. Once my Mother was holding the harness and someone told her that was cruel to do to a child. My Mother's response, "...losing her forever would be more cruel."

WDW can be very crowd and the movement of the crowds change quickly. If you have a wandering child, a leash/harness is your best bet.

 

[disnut8]

The intent here is to give advice, not to judge people. So, please don't post anything unless it is constructive to the original poster.

I never had to use a restrainer (can we at least call it that?) for my son. He was just a walk happy kid who usually would remind US when we were getting ready to cross a street that he needed his hand held. He did that to my mother-in-law while we were walking The Mall in DC and the look on her face was priceless.

Anyway, my sister used the wrist restrainer for her daughter a long time ago (like 20 years ago) when they first came out. I thought it was stupid. After all, I was going to the same zoo with my son and he was a perfect little angel. I changed my thinking after I saw my sister and her daughter and how they used the restrainer. The daughter, Ashley, wanted the restrainer so she would know her mother was just a cord away. When she wanted to go running off to the playground or somewhere, she just asked if she could go and my sister would say yes or no. If it was no, an explanation would follow as to why Ashley couldn't go (we were planning to sit down soon for lunch, the swings were too crowded, or whatever). But, having Ashley ask first gave my sister a chance to assess the situation before her daughter was already involved in it.

The wrist restrainer gave both my sister and her daughter peace of mind. Look at it from your child's point of view. I'll bet you'll be surprised that they like to know Mommy or Daddy is right there as long as the wrist restrainer is on.


Naynay80 had a good point, though. Watch out for other people walking. My husband and I have had to come to quick stops before walking into a stretched out restrainer. Hell, I'd even like one of those after being in the preshow area for It's a Bug's Life and then going into the theatre. I lose my husband every single time.

 

[Cyndo723]

I had one for my DD for our first trip to WDW (she's now 25 and just got married). If I had been able to sell one to every other parent who asked me where they could get one, I could have paid for my trip. I always thought it was much more humane to use the harness than to expect my child to walk with her arm up in the air holding my hand all day. That just can't be comfortable for them. I say do what makes you feel comfortable and forget about what others may think. (They may be thinking they wished they had one too.)

 

[seashoreCM]

1. Leashes more than 3 feet long can get tangled with other people.

2. If you feel that using a leash is slowing you down, then you were going too fast.

Disney hints: http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[mill4023]

You've got to be kidding me..... put your child on a leash



Ah, what humane treatment for a child..... leash em up in Disney.

If that's the opinion about having them on a harness that is attached to mom and dad and lets them have the freedom to walk, imagine what that poster must think about strapping them into a seat with wheels, where they can't even stand up or move around.
And not only do I use strollers, but I also use those torture devices called "car seats".

Back to the OP,
It's not the harness that slows you down, it's the fact that you're letting a 3 yr old walk. We brought both our stroller and one of the backpack leashes for our 2 yr old. That way, she could ride for awhile, then walk for awhile. Honestly, I didn't notice any dirty looks. But if I had, I wouldn't have cared. I'd prefer a few dirty looks to the stress of constantly being afraid of losing our child. Our DD was at the age where she didn't want to be stuck in a stroller, but wasn't old enough to understand that she needed to walk with us. So the leash worked out nicely for us.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

While I was growing up, my parents never used a 'leash' with my twin and I. Either we walked beside them or we held their hands. My first trip to WDW was when I was 4 and we didn't ride in a stroller at all during the trip.

I guess what I'm trying to say is I personally wouldn't use a leash on my child, although I have no children yet. I would use hand holding to help keep my children with me at all times. I turned out fine so it must work.

The problem that I've seen with the leashes is that it can back up pedestrian traffic in the area if the child decides to wonder a little and extends the leash into the flow of people. Thankfully I've never tripped over one, but I do worry about that, especially with my mom.

I don't want to be flamed for my opinion on the matter, I just wanted to share my personal point of view.

Good luck with whatever choice you make!

 

[MomtoEmIs&Ow]

And not only do I use strollers, but I also use those torture devices called "car seats".

That's a good one! I too use those torture devices! As a matter of fact this weekend I am buying a harness backpack for my very fearless 19 month old! Not to use all the time but that way when we are out for the day he can walk along, stretch his legs and burn some energy vs. being strapped in the stroller ALL day. (Which is much harder on him).

OP I think that it is a fine idea. It gives you peace of mind, and keeps your kids safely with you!

Lee

 

[The Mick]

While I was growing up, my parents never used a 'leash' with my twin and I. Either we walked beside them or we held their hands. My first trip to WDW was when I was 4 and we didn't ride in a stroller at all during the trip.

I guess what I'm trying to say is I personally wouldn't use a leash on my child, although I have no children yet. I would use hand holding to help keep my children with me at all times. I turned out fine so it must work.

The problem that I've seen with the leashes is that it can back up pedestrian traffic in the area if the child decides to wonder a little and extends the leash into the flow of people. Thankfully I've never tripped over one, but I do worry about that, especially with my mom.

I don't want to be flamed for my opinion on the matter, I just wanted to share my personal point of view.

Good luck with whatever choice you make!

You make excellent points, and I agree with you 100%. A leash shouldn't be needed, and I never had one growing up. Generations went by without needing these relatively recent inventions. People simply need to keep their kids in line, period - and they don't need a leash to do it.

But I do not think they are "inhumane" as a poster commented about earlier in the thread. Some people make it like it's child abuse to have a harness, which is completely ridiculous. If some parents want to use this type of thing to keep their kid(s) from running away, that's fine with me, although I wouldn't do the same.

 

[The Sweetness]

I have a 2y old who takes off. I have a harness with elmo on it (a small pic of Elmo on the front) She doesnt like to use it, but if she wont sit in her stroller or cart (in a store) and wont hold hands, its our only choice. I cant imagine losing a child

 

[KPeveler]

i was a little pain-in-the-butt when i was little, and my mom used one of those wrist leashes... worked great for me. my mom was alone with my and my infant sister at that time, cause my dad was away with the navy... so i think it gave her piece of mind when she was trying to juggle the baby, our order at mc donalds, and me wanting to go play on the playground. there are times you just can't explain to a 3 yr old that "No, you can't go to the playground"... and having that extra control made her feel safer...

 

[AJKMOM]

They were called "hand-holders" 15 years ago, and they are the best invention ever for active children in a crowded area. I had 3 little ones, one autistic, and we lost him more than once at WDW, it was a nightmare trying to find him. If your child will wear one without protest, USE IT, and if anyone says anything to you, be polite and tell them to mind their own business. Just think "you *%#@" and keep on moving. As long as you are courteous, it should not matter to anyone else what is going on in your family.

 

[Mecha Figment]

I think it' sa great idea. I would lean more towards the harness style. I can see how the wrists could get hurt on the other ones. I assure you that a child will suffer no psychological damage as a result of this. in addition it's keeps your child safe. and if they through a fit or start to wander off you don't have to go chase them because they can't do it.